Iran's Top Security Official Names Trump and Netanyahu as 'Main Killers'
Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani delivered a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Larijani directly responded to Trump's call for Iranians to document their oppressors during nationwide protests.
"We announce the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1– Trump 2– Netanyahu," Larijani declared. He explicitly identified both the American and Israeli leaders in his statement.
Trump Cancels Meetings and Voices Support for Protesters
Larijani's remarks followed Trump's announcement that he had cancelled all scheduled meetings with Iranian officials. The US president openly expressed support for protesters facing violent government crackdowns.
Trump addressed Iranians directly through a post on Truth Social. He urged them to continue demonstrating and promised assistance.
"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price," Trump wrote.
He added, "I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY."
While Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran against using deadly force, he has not detailed what form the promised "help" might take.
Iran Warns of Forceful Response to Any Aggression
Iran's defence minister issued a strong warning in response to Trump's statements. He said any attack on Iran would meet with immediate retaliation.
"Iran will respond forcefully to any aggression against us and will not allow anyone to threaten us," the minister stated.
He continued, "All US bases and countries that facilitate Washington's operations in the region will be legitimate targets."
The minister noted that Iran's military capabilities have improved since its last conflict. He said, "Our defensive posture is good compared to the last war, thanks to the measures we have taken."
Rising Death Toll and Widespread Protests
Human rights monitors report the unrest has already resulted in significant casualties. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 2,000 people have been killed over the past two weeks.
The agency documented over 600 protests across all 31 Iranian provinces. They estimate more than 16,700 people have been arrested so far.
Protests that began in late December have spread nationwide. They have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
US Imposes Tariffs and Issues Threats
Amid the escalating crisis, Trump announced on January 12 that the United States would impose 25% tariffs on countries continuing to do business with Iran. This adds to existing economic pressure on Tehran.
Trump has repeatedly warned Iranian leaders against using lethal force on demonstrators.
"I tell the Iranian leaders — you better not start shooting because we'll start shooting, too," Trump said earlier this month.
He added, "We're watching it very closely. If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States."
Trump has emphasized that military action remains an option. He declared, "We are locked and loaded."
Diplomatic Channels Remain Partially Open
Despite the harsh rhetoric, the White House has indicated that diplomatic channels remain available. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Iran has adopted a "far different tone" in private discussions with Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Still, Trump's decision to cancel talks and openly encourage protests suggests a shift toward a tougher stance.
Economic Crisis Fuels Public Anger
Iran's deepening economic crisis lies at the heart of the protests. Several factors have intensified public anger:
- The collapse of the national currency
- Rising food prices
- Fuel cost increases
In December, the government raised prices under a new tiered gasoline subsidy system. This ended years of ultra-cheap fuel for Iranian citizens.
Food costs are expected to rise further after the central bank scrapped a preferential exchange rate for most imports. The exceptions are medicine and wheat.
The unrest comes as Iran deals with multiple challenges:
- Fallout from a brief but intense war with Israel in June
- Renewed international sanctions
- Weakening regional alliances
These factors compound pressure on the country's leadership during this volatile period.
